Preexisting conditions are health problems you had when you became insured. Insurance companies may require that a period of time pass before the policy pays for care related to these conditions. For example, a company may exclude coverage of preexisting conditions for six months. This means that if you need long term care within six months of the policy's issue date for that condition, you may be denied benefits. Companies do not generally exclude coverage for preexisting conditions for more than six months.